CSI Shabbat Morning Services - What to Expect at This Phase

As the congregation is increasingly vaccinated, the relative safety of gathering together in person is increasing as well. It will take some time until we are all able to access the vaccine, and there will always be some risk in gathering together in person. We encourage everyone to schedule a vaccine appointment as soon as you are able. We are not checking on your vaccine status in order to attend our prayer services. Our safety protocols assume the possibility that somebody is an asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19. For many, this will fall within their current risk tolerance. Register to attend Shabbat morning services in the Sanctuary at the buttons below.

Register for April 24

Register for Yom Tov Shavuot (May 17 - 18)

Register for May 22 - July Shabbatot

What to Expect at this stage:

At least 3 days before Shabbat

• Register (via the buttons above)
• Our current occupancy limit of around 35 allows for social distancing of well more than 6 feet
• You will receive a confirmation email when you register, and a follow up email before the service

Before you arrive Shabbat morning

• If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, or if you have an increased risk of being an asymptomatic carrier because of a known or possible exposure, please do not come in person.
• Please arrive wearing appropriate face coverings that cover both the nose and mouth, with no exhalation vents.  If you come without a face covering, a surgical style mask will be provided for you on arrival. Face coverings are required at this phase for all attendees at all times in the building.

Upon arrival to Shearith Israel

• Hand sanitizer is provided for your convenience at the two entrances - Courtyard and Parking Lot Doors.
• Seats are pre-assigned in our sanctuary to ensure social distancing between podded individuals. A staff member or Volunteer will escort you and your pod to your seats.

During the service

• Please remain in your place through the service, unless you need to take a restroom or outdoor break. We look forward to the days of being able to return to schmoozing in shul, but we’re not there yet. 
• If you have an honor, such as an aliyah or ark opening, Rabbi Kaiman or the service leader will direct you where to stand and participate. We do our best to pre-assign all honors to maintain the flow of the service.
• During this phase, we continue to treat the virtual space as if it were in-person. A large screen television is connected to a computer and camera at the lower bima. Virtual participants from time to time will be called to Aliyot, read from the Torah, and participate as if they were in-person. 

After the service

• Participants are welcome to shmooze outside the building if they wish, but we remind everyone that outdoor socializing is a safer option than indoor socializing.